Earlier this month, the college's accrediting agency gave the institution a disappointing review and cited it for ongoing problems in finance and governance.

Without accreditation, students who attend the college would not be eligible for federal grants -- ending a revenue stream that could shut the college's doors.

"We don't want the school closing," said Lev Zilbermints, a graduate of 1993. "We need to all come together and work together."

Trustees voted to appoint James Pedersen as acting chief financial officer through Jan. 31, while a permanent replacement is found. Pedersen was appointed deputy chief financial officer this year.

The CFO position has been vacant for months after trustees disagreed over whether President Anthony Munroe's CFO pick was qualified. Munroe's appointment was narrowly rejected in August.

Essex County College will also undergo a forensic audit and trustees agreed to hire a firm for $146,550. Trustee Thomas McDermott said such an audit could uncover things that do not appear in routine audits. "It's imperative that we go forward," he said.

Last year, the commission placed the college on warning for failing three accreditation standards. During a visit and preliminary review this month, peer evaluators found the institution was in compliance with only one of the standards -- student enrollment practices.

On finance and governance standards, an evaluator cited the absence of a CFO and said there "was not a cohesive relationship between the president and the Board of Trustees."

Rev. Ronald Slaughter, who has criticized some trustees for interfering with Munroe's duties, said the Middle States findings validate what he and other clergy leaders have been saying.

"We're not here to sensationalize anything," he said. "None of this was personal; this was about making this college whole."

That night, the public yelled "shame on you" when trustees were nearly three hours late because they were discussing taking action against Harley in executive session. Harley was placed on paid leave and she denies wrongdoing.

Since then, infighting among leadership has continued. President Munroe accused two trustees of workplace harassment. Munroe has also been accused of misusing reallocation money.

Biology professor Michael Frank said the institution would eventually correct its finances but worried about the college's governance.

"What we cannot handle is the Board of Trustees. We've been very concerned about the process that goes into appointing board members," Frank told the trustees. "The problems seem to be at the door of this body."

Most of the board is appointed by Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr. He recently appointed Rev. Lanel Guyton, which appeased clergy leaders.

Trustees on Tuesday also voted to make their annual self-evaluation required, which President Emeritus A. Zachary Yamba said was a good step forward.

On Friday, the college will respond to the exit report submitted by the Middle States evaluators last week, Munroe said. The Middle States Commission will then render a decision at its Nov. 16 meeting.